Truly Beautifull Looking, Awesome Sound, It drives my PSB Stratus Goldi's effortlesly.

NONE, trust me when I say this.

All I can say is, it is truly the best looking amp out there and it sounds crisp, clear, full and it drives my main speakers (PSB Stratus Goldi's) effortlesly. I am currently using a Denon 5800 A/V receiver as a pre-amp. The W-5 really puts the PSB's to work. I really feel good about this purchase. The Sim Audio is built like a tank and it realy is alot of bang foryour money. I would not buy any other amp. I am saving for the Sim Audio pre-amp.
Sim Audio W-5
Denon 5800
Stratus Goldi's
Stratus 6i center
Stratus Mini's rear
Sony 7700 DVD
Sony 91 VHS
Elite CLD-99 Lazer
Sony XBR 57inch
Velodyne FSR-15BV
Dish nerwork 6000 satelite
Monster power 2500
Monster Z2 series wires

Similar Products Used:

Adcom, Bryston, classe and Parasound.

Transparent

Can appear a bit laid back

Well you have heard already. This is a great amp. It is rated lower than the Bryston in power but will sound considerably more powerful. It has the most extended and controlled deeeep bass that has graced these ears. It will sound a bit laid back in the mid/low bass region giving the impression that it lacks power in this region..but watch out!

This amp gets out of the way and you get the distinct feeling that you are listening to the recording (only). Of course it needs top notch counterparts. Try a good turntable with it. I have found true to form using homemade inter-connects (twisted multi strand silver wire) hooked up to a Belles pre-amp and an Alphason turntable. My value rating is in light of a Bryston 4B THX that I own too which is only half its price but gives almost as much pleasure.

Similar Products Used:

Bryston 4B THX (ST series), NAIM NAP250

Fantastic soundstage and great detail.

None I can think of?

Well out of all the Hi-End Amps I have owned over the years this is the best one for the money I have heard. It works well on all speaker types, and works excellent on ribbons(Maggies) or electrostatics like (Martin Logans). It drives any difficult speaker with ease, and gets every ounce of detail out of your speakers. I am using it with a P-5 pre/Amp and in balanced mode is sounds even better, with virtually no noise. And with all these kind words being said it is sad for me to say "I have to sell both pieces" after having a baby boy there is no time at the moment to listen critically so hopefully someone else can enjoy these pieces to there potiential. The only equipment I found to be better sounding was a combo T2 Threshold pre/amp and there T-800D Amp, sounded warmer sounding because of being true class A design, but there out of business. E-mail if interested in equipment.

Regards,
Gar

Other equipment used:
P-5 Pre/Amp
Sony XA7ES
Adcom G-700 CD changers
Dynaudio Contour 3.3s speakers

Similar Products Used:

Krell FPB-600/Threshold T-800D/Classe'/Mark Levinson

Mate really well with Martin Logan speakers

None that I can find

If you're thinking of Martin Logan speakers, the W5 (and W3 for smaller Logan's) are THE amps to get. I compared the Martin Logan Prodigy's with a $400 Toshiba DVD player, a Theta Casa Nova decoder and a Sim Audio W5, with the Prodigy's powered by a Krell KSA (250 if I remember correctly) and the KPS 25sc Krell Playback System. Even though the Krell setup cost over $10K more, there was no comparing the sound. I heard the Krell setup first and was so disappointed, I almost gave up on Martin Logan. The W5 powered Prodigy's sent shivers down my back. The Prodigy's performed better with the W5/Theta setup with all types of music (male/female vocals, flamenco guitar, deep bass, jazz etc). If you are thinking about Martin Logan speakers, this is THE amp to go with.

Similar Products Used:

Krell, Aragon